5 Fuel Card Mistakes Costing You Thousands (And How to Fix Them)
If you operate a logistics fleet or run a transportation business, your fuel card can be a powerful tool—or an expensive mistake. With fuel being one of your largest expenses, how you manage it can make or break your margins.
Let’s explore five common fuel card mistakes that often cost logistics operations big money—and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Using a Card Without Real Fuel Discounts
Many fuel cards offer points, rewards, or rebates that sound good—until you realize they don’t deliver real, consistent savings at the pump.
Fix: Choose a Card Per-Gallon Discounts
The RCPA Fuel Card offers discounts at over 21,000 fuel locations nationwide, with up to 10 cents per gallon at premier fuel stops and 12 cents off diesel*. That’s real, consistent savings —not vague points or hard-to-track cashbackks.
👉 Learn more about RCPA fuel savings
Mistake #2: No Control Over Driver Spending
When it comes to fueling your business, you need to make sure your drivers are equipped to keep fueling your fleet. However, letting drivers use a fuel card with no restrictions can often lead to fraud, overspending, or misuse.
Fix: Use a Card With Custom Management Controls
The RCPA Fuel Card gives you advanced spending controls to protect your bottom line. You can:
Set transaction limits, spend caps, and time-of-day restrictions
Limit purchases to fuel-only or enable maintenance and in-store options
Access detailed, real-time transaction reporting
Receive suspicious activity alerts to flag potential fraud
This level of control gives logistics managers and fleet owners peace of mind—and better cost management.
Mistake #3: Operating Without Real-Time Visibility
Tracking fuel usage manually or relying on delayed statements makes it difficult to identify waste or detect issues early.
Fix: Choose a Card That Offers Real-Time Insights
Your fuel card should allow you to monitor purchases as they happen. Transaction-level reporting, by driver or vehicle, helps you make smarter decisions and reduce waste—especially across multi-vehicle fleets.
Mistake #4: Paying Unnecessary Fees and Hurting Your Credit
Some cards bury fees in the fine print or tie your business card to your personal credit—putting your finances at risk.
Fix: Use a Card With No Fees or Credit Checks
The RCPA Fuel Card has no setup fees, no monthly fees, or transaction fees. That means no surprise charges—and no risk to your personal finances. It’s built to help businesses scale without added financial stress.
Mistake #5: Sticking With a Card That No Longer Fits Your Business
As your fleet grows and your routes evolve, your fuel card should keep up. But too many businesses stick with the same outdated program just because switching feels like a hassle.
Fix: Reevaluate and Upgrade When Needed
The RCPA Fuel Card is built to grow with you. Whether you're managing five trucks or fifty, you'll benefit from scalable features, 24/7 support, and a card program built specifically for logistics and transportation professionals.
If your current card isn’t giving you the flexibility or savings you need, it’s time to upgrade.
Fuel Smarter With RCPA
Logistics managers, fleet owners, and entrepreneurs across the country are turning to the RCPA Fuel Card because it’s:
✅ Designed for logistics operations
✅ Offers high rebates at a growing network of premier fuel stops
✅ Provides real-time fraud alerts and controls
✅ Comes with zero hidden fees
✅ Backed by responsive, 24/7 customer support
Ready to Take Control of Your Fuel Costs?
By avoiding these five common pitfalls and choosing a solution like the RCPA Fuel Card, your logistics business can save thousands and operate more efficiently.The right fuel card can simplify your operations, protect your bottom line, and unlock serious savings.
Apply now in minutes
*Savings subject to change.
